What do you think is the biggest problem?

[iwire]

Consider that many of the largest electrical companies are owned by what basically amounts to investment companies.

I know the company I worked for had been taken over by an investment company.

I also know that is one of the reasons I left, having people with no clue (or interest to learn) about the electrical trade running an electrical business was not always the best arrangement.

 

[mdshunk]

...having people with no clue (or interest to learn) about the electrical trade running an electrical business was not always the best arrangement.

best for who? The employees or the shareholders? Business is business, and everyone is replacable. You know the old addage about pulling your hand out of a bucket of water. Look how fast the water fills in the space your hand just left.

 

[iwire]

best for who? The employees or the shareholders? Business is business, and everyone is replacable. You know the old addage about pulling your hand out of a bucket of water. Look how fast the water fills in the space your hand just left.

Marc back it down, I know money makes the world go round.

I have nothing against big business, I just don't want to work for them.

Yes, the shareholders where making large $.

The customers where getting shafted, creditors waiting.

But I take care of myself, I did not like the changes and I left, and so have / are many of the talented long term guys. Which at the outset seems like it would drop payroll but in order to fill these slots they are actually having to 'buy' replacements from other ECs at premium prices.

Now I work for shop best described as a 300 man 'Mom & Pop' shop. Owned and run by the same family for 25 years.

The owner still shows up to walk the jobs and might just jump in to lend a hand.

To each there own, IMO there is 'quality of life issue'.

 

[mdshunk]

...I did not like the changes and I left, and so have / are many of the talented long term guys. Which at the outset seems like it would drop payroll but in order to fill these slots they are actually having to 'buy' replacements from other ECs at premium prices.

Yes, talented electricians who have the additional trait of not concerning themselves with the way front office business is conducted necessarily cost more.

 

[iwire]

Yes, talented electricians who have the additional trait of not concerning themselves with the way front office business is conducted necessarily cost more.

Marc....What exactly are you trying to say?

The office had every right to do all that they chose, I also have the right to go find another place to work. Simple as that, no hard feelings.

Again, you where not there so you know nothing.

 

[mdshunk]

Marc....What exactly are you trying to say?...
Again, you where not there so you know nothing.

I was making very general statements, only inspired by your comments but not necessarily about your situation specificly.

Sorry to stir you up like that. I guess the transition was stressful.

 

[augie47]

Yes, talented electricians who have the additional trait of not concerning themselves with the way front office business is conducted necessarily cost more.

I did not know such individuals existed :grin:

I thought the two went hand in hand with all electricians.

 

[JohnE]

Yes, talented electricians who have the additional trait of not concerning themselves with the way front office business is conducted necessarily cost more.

So what do untalented electricians who have the additional trait of not concerning themselves with the way front office business is conducted cost?:wink:

 

[mdshunk]

So what do untalented electricians who have the additional trait of not concerning themselves with the way front office business is conducted cost?:wink:

They're almost free. You can pick them up by the vanload at your nearest "Labor Ready".

 

[brian john]

They cost you your company if you are not alert or too busy to be concerned.

 

[peter d]

Now I work for shop best described as a 300 man 'Mom & Pop' shop.

That sounds like the biggest oxymoron I've ever heard.

I don't see much difference for the average worker in the field, truth be told, although I'm well aware of the difference between a "corporate" company and a "mom and pop."

At any rate, the owners of the "mom and pop" company and the owners of the former company both have the same lifestyle, the same big homes, and the same waterfront property. Good for them as they are allowed to make as much money as they want in this economy. My point is that those big companies are all pretty much the same in the way things are run.

 

[iwire]

My point is that those big companies are all pretty much the same in the way things are run.

Interesting, considering you have not worked for the large family shop how do you 'know' anything about it?

Things had already changed by the time you came along at our old shop.

Certainly Mom & Pop ownership does not guarantee happy employees. But where I have moved many guys are 15 to 20 year vets and still smile at work. I can't stand going to work when I know everyone will be bitter and unhappy there.

This is JMO, and how I chose to work, it's not 'all about the money' for me.

 

[peter d]

Interesting, considering you have not worked for the large family shop how do you 'know' anything about it?

I don't have to work at a place to "know" things about it.

I'm not talking about the "corporate" structure. The basic field operations will be the same - supers, foremen, journeymen, etc weather a company has a private owner or a board of directors. That's all I was trying to say.

 

[growler]

Certainly Mom & Pop ownership does not guarantee happy employees. But where I have moved many guys are 15 to 20 year vets and still smile at work. I can't stand going to work when I know everyone will be bitter and unhappy there.

Just having employees stay with a company for 15 or 20 years is a good sign. I hate going to a shop where the oldest employee has been there for 3 years and he's looking for a job. Turn over rate is probably the best indication of good working conditions because people don't leave good jobs.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

My success over the last 30 years has come from putting my business first, almost no matter what. I have been chastised by friends and family for being a workaholic. I say 'so what'? What's wrong with doing what I enjoy most? I don't golf or do team sports, I don't hunt or fish, I don't like TV much, and I really hate to 'hang out' or 'chill' very much. I like to run my company. I have terrible business sense and I treat my employees like kings, and my customers even better. But I'm OK, I'm happy and content.

Pretty much the same for me Bob. Only problem, the wife decided I didn't show her enough attention. So she's moved out, and we sign the separation agreement today. So a lot of the financial rewards for being this way (for me) have just be taken away. Was married for 30 years and in business for 10.

 

[bkludecke]

Pretty much the same for me Bob. Only problem, the wife decided I didn't show her enough attention. So she's moved out, and we sign the separation agreement today. So a lot of the financial rewards for being this way (for me) have just be taken away. Was married for 30 years and in business for 10.

Sorry to hear that. I've been married 37 years and in business 29 years. My wife is also my business partner/office manager, which presents a whole new set of challenges from time to time. I don't think she's planning on leaving just yet :-? but I try hard not to take her for granted.